Same as any other surgery. Depending on size and type of injury, surgeons may secure tendons with staples or sutures. Low blood supply in tendon tissue means healing takes an extraordinarily long time and often leaves the tendon weaker than before the injury.

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I just found out I have extensor tendinitis on my non-dominant foot. Trying to figure out how to help it out and still work.

I thought I had that until I saw a physical therapist. She determined it was peroneal tendonitis further up my leg. Stretching and massage healed it. Every now and then I'll start to get that same pain along the top of my foot, using a muscle roller on my leg makes it go away.

Had rotator cuff repair x2 on left shoulder. First surgery used the pin method and failed. Second surgeon used a thread anchor through bone technique much less painful and much happier with results. Takes a full year to heal to 100% but will never be as strong as original.

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I've had three tendons reattached after craft knife accident. (All at the same time, I'm not that clumsy.) They pull the ends together and sew with dissolving thread or staple like any other tissue, then close over the top. I'm told this is significantly easier if the tendon is cleanly severed with a sharp knife than if it snapped from over stressing, because they don't have to worry about the stitches pulling out through weak points in an uneven tear, or about lining the ends up just so.

A friend has had laparoscopic surgery on a tendon to remove a frayed edge that was rubbing against other tissue and causing pain. The surgeon cut two tiny holes, put a mini camera in one and a sharp snipper in the other, and snipped away the frayed part.

I smashed my finger real bad, to the point that my tendon was severed completely. The doctor came over, took a look and decided to stitch it back together and told me if it doesn’t work in a couple weeks to come back. Thankfully it worked but it does ache in the cold

My bicep tendon frayed and the doctor cut the bad part off and anchored it at a slightly lower point than it had been. My hamstring ruptured and the doctor stretched it then anchored it at the original point. I cannot recommend either of these surgeries

I tore my patella tendon. Tendons don’t reattach so the doctor drilled holes on my tibia and patella and sutured it in place. Those sutures are supposed to hold it forever. Fingers crossed.

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Were they better left untreated?

I tore my Achilles away from the insertion (where the tendon anchors to the bone). My surgeon opened me up, ran several radial sutures, then a few longitudinal sutures and pulled it together.

The recovery has been extremely long and painful, as it takes a long time for the tendon to reestablish. Once the tendon is reestablished, it takes a while to align the fibers again. All said and done, I am about 8 months into the 1 year recovery. I’ve been told it can take a year and a half to feel fully normal again. I lost ~3” in cal diameter in the immobilization phase of the recovery.

TLDR: sown back together, and a lot of time to reestablish the tissue. I would recommend avoiding a torn Achilles.

No. I guess I should say I recommend not doing anything that necessitates these surgeries.

Seconded. I’m 6 months in. The percutaneous surgery was kind of cool, though. My scar is the size of a penny

I completely severed the tendon in my right hand middle finger and went to the er where they stitched me up and told me to contact a hand surgeon. Two days later the orthopedic hand surgeon told me that tendons die very quickly so he tethered some kind of cable to each end of the viable tendon and it worked. I have 80% usage of that finger but it took several years to achieve that.

I'm in construction. Tore my bicep tendon on my right ( dominant) arm 10 yrs ago. Surgeon said without repair things like turning screwdriver and doorknobs would be difficult. Had it repaired and definitely think it was the right decision. He did the button method. Drilled hole through bone in forearm, pull tendon through bone and put button through tendon to keep it from pulling back out.

Ah, lucky. I had a full open…. My scar is noticeable at about 3”. Had a 1.5” gap between the ends. How is the recovery going?

Interesting...I'll keep that note when I see my massage therapist next weekend. Might start physio as well.

A 1.5" gap, god damn. Recovery is ok. I more or less have full range of motion, but still working on strength. I don't usually have pain, but I will by the end of the week if I walk to work every day. I bought an e-scooter for when I'm not feeling it. My ankle still kind of swells up randomly. How's yours?

Hand surgeon here. I’ve repaired my fair share of tendons.

I assume you’re referring to a surgery where a tendon is ruptured or cut, and needs repair.

Repairs are pretty straightforward. You make a cut, find both ends, and suture them together.

If a tendon tore from its attachment to the bone, you usually need to drill a hole into the bone and attach it with an anchor of some kind. (There are a wide variety of implants and techniques for this, so it’s hard to give more detail.)

Surgery is usually easier if you get it done sooner, so the tendon doesn’t retract or get covered with scar tissue.

Similarly, as soon as it’s safe, you’ll want to start gently moving, so the tendon doesn’t get stuck in scar tissue. Especially in hands!

If it isn’t clear, this is all very simplified, and is not a substitute for talking to a doctor in person if you think you need surgery!

If you give me a more specific question, I may be able to help you better.